95-Year-Old William Shatner Launches New Metal Band At Riot Fest

At age 95, former "Star Trek" Captain Kirk actor William Shatner is launching a new heavy metal band called The *uckers. He will perform at the three-day Chicago Riot Fest on Sunday, September 20, closing the festival alongside headliners such as Iggy Pop and Pixies. His debut album, titled "What the F Is Heavy Metal," features covers by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest along with original tracks.

Shatner joined forces with bassist Phil Soussan, guitarist Marcus Nand, guitarist Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching for this musical venture. The band's performance is scheduled to take place on the Rebel Stage at Douglass Park from 5:25 p.m. to 6 p.m. local time.

The news of Shatner entering a metal phase comes after he was diagnosed with stage four malignant melanoma in 2023, which spread to his lungs and brain but has since been successfully treated through immunotherapy and surgery. While previously known for spoken-word albums like "Love & Other Mysteries" featuring Brad Paisley, this marks Shatner's bold step into heavy metal music.